Waqf Bill Sparks Uproar in Bihar Assembly; Opposition Slams BJP’s “Communal Agenda”
वक्फ बिल: लालू, तेजस्वी प्रदर्शनकारियों के साथ खड़े: एआईएमपीएलबी के पटना धरने ने गति पकड़ी
Massive Protests Erupt as AIMPLB Stages Dharna in Patna
Patna/Bihar: Patna witnessed high-voltage political drama on Wednesday as protests against the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 rocked the Bihar Assembly, while the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) staged a massive dharna at Gardanibagh. The protest saw the participation of key opposition figures, including Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, and Samajwadi Party MP Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi, among others.
The opposition, led by the RJD, has slammed the bill as a calculated move by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to undermine the rights of Muslims and seize their endowment properties. “This is yet another attempt to disempower the Muslim community under the garb of regulation,” said Tejashwi Yadav, vowing to fight the bill at every stage.
Assembly in Chaos as Opposition Protests Intensify
Soon after the Bihar Assembly convened for the day, opposition members stormed the well of the House, raising slogans against the bill and demanding its immediate rollback. Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav urged members to return to their seats, but the protests only escalated. Some members attempted to overturn furniture meant for the reporting staff, leading to an abrupt adjournment of the session till 2 PM.
Opposition leaders also renewed their demand for the full implementation of the Sachar Committee recommendations, which highlighted the socio-economic marginalization of Muslims in India.
Tejashwi Yadav Slams BJP, Calls the Bill “Undemocratic”
Addressing the AIMPLB protest, Tejashwi Yadav launched a scathing attack on the BJP and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). “We will fight this ‘Nagpuriya’ undemocratic and unconstitutional legislation till the very end,” he declared, referring to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur.
In a veiled attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Yadav accused certain leaders of backing the bill out of “greed for power.” He praised his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, for standing with the protesters despite his deteriorating health. “I am proud to have Lalu ji’s blood in my veins. Even after a kidney transplant and heart surgeries, he is here, fighting for justice,” he said, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
AIMPLB Expands Protest, Calls for “United Resistance”
The AIMPLB has announced a series of protests across Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, urging the respective Chief Ministers, Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu, to prove their secular credentials by opposing the bill.
The dharna site later saw the arrival of Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, who has vowed to field a significant number of Muslim candidates in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Other notable leaders, including Azad Samaj Party chief Chandrashekhar Azad, also extended their support.
Opposition Vows to Block the Bill in Parliament
In his concluding remarks, Tejashwi Yadav warned of broader implications of the bill. “Today, they are targeting Muslims. Tomorrow, it will be Christians and Sikhs. This government wants to tear the Constitution apart, but we will not let that happen,” he asserted.
The RJD has moved an adjournment motion in the Bihar Assembly against the bill and has vowed to block its passage in Parliament. “We will blow this dictatorial agenda to smithereens,” Yadav thundered, signaling an intensified opposition campaign against the BJP’s policies.
With the Bihar Assembly elections on the horizon, the Waqf Bill controversy is likely to become a major political flashpoint, setting the stage for a fierce electoral battle between the ruling BJP-led NDA and the opposition alliance.
Q&A (Waqf Struggle)
Q: What is the main issue with the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024?
A: The bill is seen as a tool for the government to seize Waqf properties, which are meant for the welfare of the Muslim community. Opposition leaders argue that it violates constitutional rights and is an extension of BJP’s communal agenda.
Q: Why did the Bihar Assembly erupt in protests?
A: Opposition leaders, led by RJD, stormed the well of the House, raising slogans and demanding a rollback of the bill. The session had to be adjourned due to the chaos.
Q: What is the AIMPLB’s stance on the bill?
A: The AIMPLB strongly opposes the bill and has been organizing protests to urge secular leaders like Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu to take a stand.
Q: How does this impact the political landscape?
A: With the Bihar elections approaching, this issue is becoming a major political flashpoint. The opposition is using it to rally Muslim and secular voters against the BJP.
Statements & Quotes
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Tejashwi Yadav: “This bill is an attack on the fundamental rights of Muslims. Today, they are taking Waqf properties. Tomorrow, they will come for churches and gurudwaras.”
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Lalu Prasad Yadav: “Despite my health issues, I am here because this is a fight for justice. We will not let BJP bulldoze our constitutional rights.”
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AIMPLB Representative: “This bill is a betrayal. Waqf properties exist for the welfare of the community, not for government takeover.”
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Samajwadi Party MP Mohibullah Nadvi: “This is not about just one bill. It is part of a pattern to systematically erode minority rights.”
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Prashant Kishor: “The people of Bihar will not stay silent while their rights are trampled upon.”
Summary
The controversial Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 has ignited massive protests in Bihar, with opposition parties, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), condemning it as a BJP-backed ploy to seize Muslim endowment properties. The Bihar Assembly witnessed chaos as opposition members stormed the well of the House, demanding a rollback. Meanwhile, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) staged a massive dharna in Patna, attended by prominent leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, and Samajwadi Party MP Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi.
Tejashwi Yadav slammed the bill as unconstitutional, accusing the BJP of pushing an anti-minority agenda. Protesters fear the bill is an attack on religious autonomy and could pave the way for further discrimination. The RJD has vowed to block the bill in Parliament, setting the stage for an intense political battle.
Context & Background
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The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 proposes changes to the regulation of waqf properties—endowments made for religious or charitable purposes in the Muslim community.
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Critics argue that it allows greater government control, enabling authorities to seize these properties, violating religious rights.
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The BJP claims the bill aims at “transparency and accountability,” but opposition parties see it as an attempt to weaken Muslim institutions.
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Protests have intensified across India, with Bihar and Andhra Pradesh emerging as key battlegrounds.
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The opposition sees this bill as part of the BJP’s larger communal strategy ahead of the upcoming elections.
